Defending champs

Cavs open with convincing win over Knicks

STEVE HERRICK

The Associated Press

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) grabs a rebound in front of New York Knicks’ Derrick Rose (25) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James dunks against the New York Knicks during the first half a basketball game in Cleveland, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Cleveland Cavaliers players and executives watch as the championship banner is raised before a basketball game against the New York Knicks in Cleveland, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Cleveland Cavaliers players and executives watch as the championship banner is raised before a basketball game against the New York Knicks in Cleveland, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

CLEVELAND — LeBron James took time to reflect as the Cleveland Cavaliers raised their championship banner.

Then it was business as usual.

James had his 43rd career triple-double, Kyrie Irving scored 29 points and the Cavaliers beat the New York Knicks 117-88 on Tuesday night in the NBA season opener.

James scored 19 points and added 11 rebounds and 14 assists in front of a raucous home crowd that was on its feet from the pregame ceremony until late in the game, celebrating the city’s first championship in 52 years.

“It was great to have a moment like that,” he said. “It was difficult to focus on the game but we did a great job, especially in the second half.”

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James dunks against the New York Knicks during the first half a basketball game in Cleveland, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

James, who got choked up while speaking to the crowd before the game, continued his perfect record on ring nights. He was 2-0 when the Miami Heat players were presented with their championship rings.

“There were so many emotions,” he said. “To see us win the finals and tonight being that last exclamation point to receive your ring in front of your fans was a great moment.”

Irving scored 19 points in the third quarter, when Cleveland used a 20-4 run to take a 74-53 lead. Kevin Love scored 23 for the Cavaliers.

Carmelo Anthony led New York with 19 points and Derrick Rose had 17.

Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert was taken to the locker room late in the third quarter with concussion-like symptoms after colliding with Kristaps Porzingis. Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue said Shumpert was undergoing tests to determine the extent of the injury.

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) grabs a rebound in front of New York Knicks' Derrick Rose (25) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

Cleveland’s players, coaching staff and front office personnel also received their championship rings in the pregame ceremony, and the sellout crowd chanted Lue’s last name.

“That was a really good feeling,” he said. “It was great to be a part of it.”

The basketball game was only part of a big night in town. The Cleveland Indians played Game 1 of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs across the street at Progressive Field.

The Knicks, who missed the playoffs the last three seasons, are expecting major improvement after acquiring Rose from Chicago to run the offense and signing center Joakim Noah, who was scoreless in 21 minutes.

“We will improve, I guarantee it,” Anthony said. “There are just so many moving parts right now. We need to get better, but we’re not running from that fact.”

New York, playing its first game under new coach Jeff Hornacek, trailed by 13 in the second quarter but rallied to cut the lead to 45-43 at halftime. A pair of dunks by James and 3-pointers from Irving and Love pushed the lead to 61-49.

Cleveland’s spurt continued as Irving hit three 3-pointers for a 74-53 lead.